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Your chimney takes a beating from the high temperatures produced by your fireplace and the constant exposure to harsh weather. And because it’s made from masonry materials, it’s bound to wear out, especially if it hasn’t been well-maintained. In this post, we look at the most common signs that your chimney is crying out for…

The lazy days of summer are upon us. With that comes the heat and humidity and the summer rain showers. With all that moisture, it is sure to get into your chimney. There will be unpleasant smells if not taken care of. There are tasks that you should do all year long to keep your…

When did you last check to see if your chimney and fireplace require repair? Do you know if your chimney has issues such as cracked or broken bricks or missing bricks, or is your chimney shifting? Don’t wait a minute longer. Here’s why now is the best time for masonry repairs. Reasons to Have Your…

Like other parts of your house, the chimney undergoes significant wear and tear from high temperatures and weather. Over time, minor issues like cracks and deteriorating mortar joints can lead to major headaches, like water damage and fire safety issues. Routine maintenance and upkeep are essential to prolonging your chimney’s lifespan, ensuring the system runs…

You know you have to clean your chimney. But is one time of the year better than the rest, and how often should you do it? Read on to find the answers. When is the Best Time of Year to Clean My Chimney? The best time to clean your chimney is before winter arrives, and…

At Mercer County Chimney Services, we get asked many questions about fireplace and chimney maintenance and safety. However, one question that comes up more and more often is whether it’s safe to mount your TV over your wood burning or gas fireplace or insert. In this article, we look at the pros and cons of…

Is your fireplace old, inefficient, and tired-looking? If so, you’ve probably considered replacing it, but we’re here to tell you to hold that thought because there are good reasons to consider upgrading it instead. Here are some reasons to upgrade your fireplace instead of replacing it: It’s Cheaper to Upgrade The cost of everything is…

Many people think tuckpointing and repointing are the same thing, but while they’re similar masonry techniques, there are situations where one is preferable to the other. What’s the Difference Between Tuckpointing and Repointing? Tuckpointing and repointing are masonry repair techniques used to replace the damaged or missing mortar between bricks, stones, or other masonry components….

Your chimney may seem simple, but it’s made up of many parts. If one of those parts gets damaged, it can affect the entire system and put your home and family at risk. In this post, we look specifically at chimney flashing, what it is, why it’s so important, and how to prevent damage. What…

Maybe you just purchased or inherited a home with a fireplace; you probably have many questions about using it as a heat source and not mere decoration. If you’re new to fireplaces, the first question that you might have is, “What kind of fireplace is it?” In this post, we look at the four typical…